Pope, both of your brother and sister's dogs are nice, but I think your sister's is beautiful. It would be quite a challenge trying to walk that dog, at that age, with no leash training.

A few of the groomers I work with are scared of Chows and will avoid doing them. All of them have been bit by one though.

One of my favorite clients is a Chow named Cujo. First time I saw him booked for me I was worried, with that name and all. But he is the BEST dog. I've done a number of chows and chow mixes and actually have two booked for me tomorrow. So far I haven't had any issues.

A few years ago one attacked my dog for no apparent reason. But dog aggression is different.

Tell me about it Pen, he did great though but it also took brains. Now, my sister in law (the one with the massive boxer), when she first laid eyes on him... petrified.
I took off running alongside my 12 year old nephew when that dog got out and dragged him up hill. Thankfully he stopped to pee and sniff things. We got him inside and immediately I told him to put him in the crate and no attention.

When my soon to be mother in law, saw a picture of Tasha the boxer, she said "mean dog". It caught me off guard and assured her, the dog is harmless. Other than accidentally squishing you trying to love on you with her size advantage...

Oh yeah, I forgot to mention I have a scar under my nostril from being bit in the face by a chow when I was around three, I am told. I may also have one at the start of my hair line from the upper canines...
It does not make me nervous of them, matter of fact it was my godparents fault. It was while a dog unfamiliar with face height kids was being fed. That poor dog got beat.

I've been bit by an aussie mix, a chi...my sister by a peke...all of these dogs, when I think of their home life looking back on it, should never have been exposed to children and were basically let to do as they pleased. I remember there wasn't even a reaction from the owners of the aussie mix (who 2 witnessed the bit face to face. That one nearly broke skin as well) on the hand after I was told he would appreciate a pet when I was around 10 I believe.

i have never met a nice chow and i cant imagine i ever will. my dog thunder is part chow and i would not trust him not to bite anyone, especially since he has in the past. he is one that will pick up instantly on a persons fear and he will use that to his advantage unmercifully. we have no issues with him as part of our family but anyone not living in our home i dont trust him with.

Udpate...we went for a community hike this Saturday. He had his photo taken twice because the photo guy thought he was beautiful. He was greeted politly by several people, and complimented. He behaved as taught we when passed other dogs, and ignored people when I instructed him to. Only 1 person seemed afraid of him, they were of Asian decent, and not speaking english. Buddha is proving himself to be an ambassador for the breed. There are not many Chows in my area, so some people were curious and asked if he was a Chow. I don't know what other breed he would look like? He had a blast, so did I, so we'l just keep getting out there. Yes, I've been bitten by a chow, my own as a matter of fact. Very complicated sorry, he was a rescue, long story short, I kept him for 8 years, and miss him dearly. Things happen, we move on. I was attacked by a man, but I got over that too, I'm not afraid of men.

The two Chows I groomed Sunday were excellent. The male kissed me several times and both were pro's for the whole process. Got right on the table, hopped into the tub, got in their crates.. handed me their paws, let me do whatever I wanted.

Makes me laugh at that episode of that groomer show on animal planet when they were terrified of doing the chows.

Ha Even I remember actually catching myself laughing out loud during that show. The whole group seemed terrified about these medium sized teddy bears. I would think they would know that the producers certainly wouldn't put them in any harm but it still made for a pretty good episode.


On a personal note next time I pass someone I'm going to have to wave to let them know it's not there dog it's me lol When walking/jogging Lucy (female pit) I do not allow more than one dog to approach her at a time and now that she is older usually only if she's familiar with him/her. Other than that I will promptly cross the street or simply go off the path for a break. I hope people aren't offended when I do so I just would rather get on with our walk/jog/run. She has never done anything in the past to warrant aggression but she is a rescue with a rough past and I'm an over protective mama (I also carry mace more for the occurance of this male whose allowed to roam grrr owners). If I see up ahead an elder person/child/biker I stand off to the side to let them pass with her in a seated position. If they choose to pat her head she usually will lift her paw and tilt her head and we are on our way. Some people just aren't into dogs and hey I get it I'm not into somethings too. The seated position I think it helps people to know you are in control and I think it reassures her too.

My children are both very hyper, and if they are ever around a dog that doesn't handle quick movements well, it makes me nervous. I have never been bitten by a dog, but when my sister was little she had her hand almost taken off by a Cocker Spaniel. They are basically good dogs, but this was one had been mistreated. It just proves that the owner makes the dog. I tend to be afraid of any dog with a history of tempers ie; chows, dobermen, german shepards, rotties, pitt bulls. I can't help it, they have reputations that are not always favorable. However, I try to take each one on a case by case basis.